A male school bus driver in North Carolina has been arrested on charges of child sex abuse after allegedly luring multiple teenage boys to his home for sexual acts, authorities confirmed.
Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, was charged with two counts of statutory rape, six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of statutory sex offense. The accused reportedly targeted at least four boys aged 14 and 15, offering them money in exchange for sexual encounters.
Tate, who previously worked as a school bus driver at Sugar Creek Charter School, was suspended during an investigation and later fired before his arrest. Police stated the alleged crimes did not occur on school property or while he was operating a bus.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit led the investigation, resulting in Tate’s arrest by the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. He is currently in custody at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Tate’s family expressed belief in his innocence during a courthouse appearance. Authorities emphasized the courage of the juvenile victims who came forward, noting that many cases of child abuse go unreported due to fear or threats.
The case has sparked concern over school hiring practices and oversight, with critics questioning how individuals with alleged mental health issues were permitted to work with minors.